The Scarlet Letter
Study Guide
Custom House and Chapters 1-4
Vocabulary
Define each of the following words, giving the definition which best fits the context in which the
word is used in the story. Write your own sentence for each word right below the definition.
Use only active verbs. No verbs of being (is, am, are, was, were, be, been).
1. edifice
2. physiognomies
3. augured
4. indubitably
5. eiderdown
6. vicissitude
7. abashed
8. talisman
9. ignominy
10. contumely
Questions:
Answer the questions using complete sentences and citing specific quotes from the text where
indicated.
Chapter 1: The Prison Door
1. Look at the opening of Chapter One. Describe the mood Hawthorne sets for the story.
Give specific examples.
2. Many regard The Scarlet Letter as the first major symbolic novel in American literature.
What is the first symbol presented in the story? How is it used?
Chapter 2: The Market-Place
1.
2.
3.
4.
How does the narrator present the people standing within the crowd at the prison door?
Describe the women at the prison door. Integrate at least two quotes within this answer.
Explain how imagery is used to describe Hester Prynne when the reader first meets her.
What is the reader’s first clue that Hester stands unashamed of her sin? Explain.
Chapter 3: The Recognition
1. Who is the man who emerges from the forest, and where has he been for the past two
years?
2. How does the Scarlet Letter “A” take on a life of its own at the end of chapter three?
Chapter 4: The Interview
1. Explain why Roger Chillingworth says the following to Hester: “Between thee and me,
the scale hangs fairly balanced” (86).
2. Hester’s determination to carry the burden of her sin alone is again confirmed in chapter
four. What request of Chillingworth does Hester refuse? Why do you think Hawthorne
does this? How does he want the reader to view Hester?
3. What do you think Hawthorne foreshadows at the end of chapter four when Hester
Prynne says:
“Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us? Hast thou enticed me into
a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul?” Chillingworth answers,” Not thy soul…No, not
thine.”
*In the following two sections, you should use quotes within your answers to support your
ideas. These quotes should be highlighted and annotated within your book, as well. You will
share quotes within our class discussion to enhance our discussion of The Scarlet Letter.
*Discussion Points
1. List three symbols utilized throughout the first four chapters of The Scarlet Letter. What
is the object and what do you think it might represent?
2. Give a specific example to support one of the themes you’ve noticed within the first four
chapters of the book.
*Essay Question (approximately 12 complete sentences, 10 -12 lines of type, 12 font)
Practice your essay writing skills – topic sentence, proofs, transitions.
Explain in no less than 200 words Hawthorne’s portrayal of Hester Prynne as a heroine.
What actions or qualities are admirable? Should she be admired? Why or why not?
The Scarlet Letter
Study Guide
Chapters 5-8
Vocabulary
Define each of the following words, giving the definition which best fits the context in which the
word is used in the story. Write your own sentence for each word right below the definition. Use
only active verbs. No verbs of being (is, am, are, was, were, be, been).
1. lurid
2. futurity
3. retribution
4. progenitors
5. contumaciously
6. efficacy
7. morbid
8. imbued
9. imbibing
10. epoch
11. caprice
12. rankle
13. enmity
14. gesticulation
Questions:
Answer the questions using complete sentences and citing specific quotes from the text where
indicated.
Chapter 5: Hester at Her Needle
At the start of the chapter discuss Hawthorne’s use of sunshine.
What reason(s) does Hester choose to remain in New England?
How does the town mark Hester as the “figure, the body, the reality of sin”?
Explain how Hester survived, where she lived, and her small gestures of rebellion against
her punishment.
5. What does Hester feel the scarlet letter has taught her or given her deeper insight?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Chapter 6: Pearl
1. Read Matthew 13: 45-46. Write it here. Why does Hester name her daughter Pearl?
2. Discuss the narrator’s explanation for Pearl’s strong willed nature and describe her
personality. Cite specific text and give at least three details to describe her personality.
3. How did Pearl react to other children in the town and why?
4. Discuss the ways Pearl entertains herself, due to the fact that she has no friends.
5. What were the rumors surrounding Pearl’s father?
Chapter 7: The Governor’s Hall
1. Hester plans to visit the Governor’s home because a rumor is circulating. Explain.
2. How did Hester dress Pearl for her visit to the Governor’s house? How has the symbolic
nature of the “A” taken on a new form?
3. What image did Pearl see in the polished armor? What did Hester think?
4. Hawthorne presents another rosebush. Describe the scene with Pearl. What might the rose
symbolize in the book?
Chapter 8: The Elf-Child and the Minister
1. What was Roger Chillingworth’s current occupation? Why?
2. Where did Pearl state she “came from”? Discuss why you think she behaves in this
manner. Why does the governor wish to take Pearl away from Hester?
3. What does Hester notice about Chillingworth at the meeting?
4. Hester pleads desperately with a person to help her keep Pearl. What is his response and
what nervous habit does he display? Cite text.
*In the following sections, you should use quotes within your answers to support your ideas.
These quotes should be highlighted and annotated within your book, as well. You will share
quotes within our class discussion to enhance our discussion of The Scarlet Letter.
*Essay Question
Students will review the scene from Hester Prynne on the scaffold to further understand
descriptive writing. Think of a person, place, or object that stands out in your memory
OR observe and describe an event. This assignment should be at least two pages in
length.
*Discussion Points
1. What symbols are used within chapters 5-8? List at least three.
2. Explain the symbolic nature of Pearl’s name. Be sure to address Mr. Wilson’s discussion
with her about “the pearl of great price.”
3. Explain in no less than 200 words: Should Hester receive punishment for adultery?
The Scarlet Letter
Study Guide
Chapters 9-14
Vocabulary
Define each of the following words, giving the definition which best fits the context in which the
word is used in the story. Write your own sentence for each word right below the definition. Use
only active verbs. No verbs of being (is, am, are, was, were, be, been).
1. chirurgical
2. importunate
3. somniferous
4. vestment
5. odious
6. efficacious
7. ethereal
8. avowal
9. malevolence
10. scourge
11. despondency
12. abased
Questions:
Answer the questions using complete sentences and citing specific quotes from the text where
indicated.
Chapter 9: The Leech
1. Why does Roger Chillingworth decide to hide his true identity? Use a quote from the
beginning of the chapter which uses personification to explain his decision.
2. What was Chillingworth’s new purpose in life? Use text.
3. What did the townspeople think about Chillingworth, and why were they worried about
Dimmesdale?
4. How did Chillingworth plan to cure Dimmesdale of his illness? Cite text.
5. Many in the town became suspicious of Roger Chillingworth. Why?
Chapter 10: The Leech and His Patient
1. To what does Hawthorne compare Chillingworth? Give specific examples from the text.
2. The author notes that Dimmesdale “seldom looked straightforward at any object” (155). Why
do you think he behaves this way?
3. Explain the argument between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth within this chapter. What are
they disagreeing about and why?
Chapter 11: The Interior of a Heart
1. How does the congregation view Dimmesdale and why?
2. How is Dimmesdale trying to purify himself? How does this reflect the Puritan faith?
Chapter 12: The Minister’s Vigil
1. What was the Minister’s Vigil?
2. How does Pearl mock Dimmesdale? Why do you think she does this? Use text to support.
Chapter 13: Another View of Hester
1. How has the meaning behind or function of the scarlet letter changed?
2. How has Hester’s punishment actually strengthened her? Read the final two pages of this
chapter to explain. Cite text.
Chapter 14: Hester and the Physician
1. Chillingworth has walked away from his faith. Read the last page of the chapter and
explain Roger Chillingworth’s worldview.
* In the following sections, you should use quotes within your answers to support your ideas.
These quotes should be highlighted and annotated within your book, as well. You will share
quotes within our class discussion to enhance our discussion of The Scarlet Letter.
*Essay Question
In no less than 200 words, describe Hester’s new role in society. How has the town’s view of her
changed? How has Hester changed?
*Discussion Points
1. Look at the character of Roger Chillingworth. How do the following characters struggle
with his presence in their lives?
a) Hester
b) Dimmesdale
c) the townspeople
The Scarlet Letter
Study Guide
Chapters 15-19
Vocabulary
Define each of the following words, giving the definition which best fits the context in which the
word is used in the story. Write your own sentence for each word right below the definition. Use
only active verbs. No verbs of being (is, am, are, was, were, be, been).
1. scintillating
2. scrofula
3. dell
4. loquacity
5. cadence
6. contiguity
7. misanthropy
8. malignity
9. satiating
10. trammeled
11. extenuation
12. transmuting
13. denizen
14. mollified
Questions:
Answer the questions using complete sentences and citing specific quotes from the text where
indicated.
Chapter 15: Hester and Pearl
1. Explain the questions Pearl asks of her mother.
2. What is Hester’s response and how is this significant?
Chapter 16: A Forest Walk
1. As Hester walks through the forest, what happens when she nears the sunshine? What happens
when Pearl nears the sunshine?
2. To whom does Hawthorne compare the brook?
3. What does Hester notice about Dimmesdale when she sees him? What is different?
Chapter 17: The Pastor and His Parishioner
1. From your reading in the last few chapters, what significance does the forest hold? Why do
you think Hawthorne has Hester and Dimmesdale meet here? Explain.
2. What does Hester reveal to Dimmesdale? What were her reasons for hiding the truth and what
are her reasons for now revealing it?
3. Dimmesdale says several times, “Thou art strong.” In what ways has Dimmesdale required
Hester to be stronger than himself. List at least three seen thus far in the book.
Chapter 18: A Flood of Sunshine
1. What transformation takes place in Dimmesdale and Hester while they are in the forest?
2. Explain how the forest (Nature) responds to Pearl and how Pearl responds to the forest.
Chapter 19: The Child at the Brook-side
1. Why does Dimmesdale feel nervous about Pearl’s location on the other side of the brook?
2. What does the brook symbolize in this chapter?
3. Why does Pearl refuse to come to her mother?
4. Describe the power the scarlet letter possesses in this chapter.
*Essay Question: Write your personal worldview essay this week.
* In the following section, you should use quotes within your answers to support your ideas.
These quotes should be highlighted and annotated within your book, as well. You will share
quotes within our class discussion to enhance our discussion of The Scarlet Letter.
*Discussion Points
1. Sunlight, as a character, plays a large part in these chapters. In what way does Nature,
through sunlight, exercise moral judgment in these chapters? On what, according to
Hawthorne, does Nature base its favor?
2. What does Pearl ask about Arthur Dimmesdale at the end of chapter 19? What does she
demand of her mother? Looking back over previous chapters, what has Pearl consistenly
asked her mother and Dimmesdale? What does this imply?
Portions of this week’s study guide have been adapted from the Progeny Press study guide: The Scarlet Letter.
The Scarlet Letter
Study Guide
Chapters 20-25
Vocabulary
Define each of the following words, giving the definition which best fits the context in which the
word is used in the story. Write your own sentence for each word right below the definition. Use
only active verbs. No verbs of being (is, am, are, was, were, be, been).
1. vicissitude
2. uncouth
3. obeisance
4. gratuitous
5. pathos
6. indefatigable
7. apotheosized
8. forebode
9. consummation
10. gules
Questions:
Answer the questions using complete sentences and citing specific quotes from the text where
indicated.
Chapter 20: The Minister in a Maze
1. Explain why Dimmesdale thinks he has sold his sold to the devil. Give at least two examples
of his strange impulses.
2. What do you think is happening to Dimmesdale? Why do you think he is tempted to do these
things?
3. What is Hester and Dimmesdale’s plan for a new life?
Chapter 21: The New England Holiday
1. What does Hawthorne want the reader to understand about the Puritans, their leaders, and
their lives as you read this chapter?
2. Why is Pearl puzzled at Dimmesdale’s behavior?
Chapter 22: The Procession
1. Describe the procession.
2. What is Mistress Hibbins prediction concerning Dimmesdale and the fact that he holds his
hand over his heart?
3. How did the scarlet letter harm Hester even more than before? Explain.
Chapter 23: The Revelations
1. Why does Dimmesdale suddenly leave the procession from the church and go to the scaffold?
2. How does Pearl receive Dimmesdale? Why do you think the narrator states, “The spell was
broken” and how do you think Pearl finally received her wish. What three questions are
answered or problems are solved?
3. What does Dimmesdale reveal to the crowd? How do you think it got there?
Chapter 24: Conclusion
1. Where does each of the four characters end up at the conclusion of the novel? Explain each
character’s situation.
*In the following sections, you should use quotes within your answers to support your ideas.
These quotes should be highlighted and annotated within your book, as well. You will share
quotes within our class discussion to enhance our discussion of The Scarlet Letter.
*Essay Question
1) Identify one of the themes presented in The Scarlet Letter seen within the final chapters.
Use quotes to support your ideas. One page max.
*Discussion Points
1) After you complete the book, please answer the following question. Define irony. How are
the following two quotes examples of irony? Explain
“You must needs be a stranger in this region, friend…else you would surely have heard of
Mistress Hester Prynne, and her evil doings. She hath raised a great scandal, I promise you,
in godly Master Dimmesdale’s church” (71).
“Good Master Dimmesdale,” said he, “the responsibility of this woman’s soul lies greatly
with you. It behooves you, therefore, to exhort her to repentance and to confession, as a proof
and consequence thereof” (76).
*This study guide was created by Traci DeBra and should only be used by tutors teaching within the Providence
Extension Program. Please honor our work and copyright.